Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. This Saturday is World Stroke Day. Did you know there are things you can do right now to reduce your risk of stroke?
The government calls it the ABCS –
- A is for aspirin. Fewer than half of Americans who should be taking an aspirin a day are taking one.
- B is for blood pressure control. Fewer than half of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control.
- C is for cholesterol. Only one in three Americans with high cholesterol is effectively treated.
- S is for smoking cessation. Less than a quarter of Americans who smoke get help to quit when they see their doctor.
Stroke can cause death or significant disability, according to the Centers for Disease Control. New treatments can reduce stroke damage if patients react quickly at the onset of the symptoms.
Symptoms of stroke include, sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination; and sudden, severe headache with no known cause.
